Vena cava filter
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Vena cava filter
A vena cava filter is an umbrella-shaped barrier device that is inserted into the large vein that returns blood to the heart from the abdomen and legs (inferior vena cava). This filter helps prevent blood clots that form in the deep veins of the lower limbs from traveling to the lungs and heart where they may block blood flow.
Vena cava filters are inserted into the vena cava using a catheter inserted through a vein located in the neck or groin.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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